PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Iowa
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Hawkeye State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
116
IA Hospitals
2,200+
Annual Openings
Self
Managed
Who this training is for
Ideal for candidates with prior PCT clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Iowa employers.
New to the field? If you have no prior experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship to build hands-on confidence needed to complete the program and prepare to challenge the AMCA PCTC.
Externship Disclaimer
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site at a hospital or healthcare facility. EHired provides state-specific resources and guidance, but placement is not guaranteed.
What is a PCT Externship?
A Patient Care Technician externship is a 100-hour hands-on clinical experience where you apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. During your externship in Iowa, you'll work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in hospitals, dialysis centers, or long-term care facilities.
Hospital Settings
Medical-surgical units, emergency departments, ICUs, and specialty floors at major Iowa health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Iowa, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Iowa provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Iowa
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Hawkeye State
Des Moines Metro (Polk, Dallas Counties)
State capital with UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist and MercyOne Des Moines. Largest healthcare market.
Hospitals: UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist, MercyOne Des Moines, Broadlawns Medical Center, UnityPoint Health Blank Children's
Dialysis: DaVita (10+ centers), Fresenius (8+ centers) Central Iowa
Long-Term Care: Des Moines area LTC; WesleyLife, Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan, Care Initiatives
💡 Tip: Des Moines has good balance of opportunities and cost of living.
Iowa City/Cedar Rapids (Johnson, Linn Counties)
University of Iowa Hospitals—state's only academic medical center. Strong research focus.
Hospitals: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, MercyOne Cedar Rapids, UnityPoint Health St. Luke's (Cedar Rapids)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Eastern Iowa locations
Long-Term Care: Iowa City and Cedar Rapids nursing facilities
💡 Tip: UIHC is nationally ranked—excellent academic medicine exposure for externs.
Quad Cities (Scott County)
Iowa side of Quad Cities with UnityPoint Health Trinity and Genesis Health System.
Hospitals: UnityPoint Health Trinity, Genesis Medical Center, MercyOne Clinton
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Quad Cities locations
Long-Term Care: Quad Cities nursing facilities; Genesis, ManorCare
💡 Tip: Quad Cities straddles Iowa-Illinois border—can access opportunities in both states.
Western Iowa (Woodbury, Pottawattamie Counties)
Sioux City and Council Bluffs with UnityPoint Health and CHI Health.
Hospitals: UnityPoint Health St. Luke's (Sioux City), MercyOne Siouxland, CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Western Iowa locations
Long-Term Care: Western Iowa nursing facilities; rural and small-town LTC
💡 Tip: Western Iowa has significant healthcare worker shortages—strong job prospects.
What You'll Learn During Your Externship
Clinical Skills
- • Vital signs measurement and documentation
- • Patient positioning and transfers
- • Basic wound care and dressing changes
- • Specimen collection procedures
- • EKG electrode placement
Professional Development
- • Healthcare team communication
- • Electronic health records (EHR)
- • HIPAA compliance in practice
- • Infection control protocols
- • Patient advocacy skills
Ready to Start Your PCT Career in Iowa?
Free to enroll. Free to learn. Pay only when you're ready to certify.
No credit card required • No FAFSA • No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCT externships in Iowa: